FOLLOWING a preliminary review by the Acting Returning Officer at Mid Devon to accommodate new parliamentary constituencies, the council has identified potential changes.

The proposed changes to areas include New Buildings where voters would vote at Sandford Parish Hall instead of Beacon Church (as the hall is more accessible) and

Yeoford East where voters would vote at Yeoford Community Hall instead of the Boniface Centre in Crediton.

By law the Council must conduct a full review of its parliamentary polling districts and places every five years. 

This is to ensure each parish has a separate polling district, that there is a designated polling place for each district (unless special circumstances apply) and to ensure all polling stations are accessible. 

The review does not look at altering boundaries or names of electoral areas.

While Mid Devon has until 2025 to carry out a review, as a general election may happen anytime between now and January 2025 the council has decided to begin the process now, with a public consultation running from to November 12.

As part of the review the Council will be contacting the public and local organisations, as well as political parties.

Councillor Jane Lock, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Working Environment, said: “The aim of this review is to provide a more effective local election service for our voters and to help improve local democracy. 

“These reviews are often needed because of growth in an area, changes to boundaries, a change in facilities available and a lack of accessibility.  

“This whole process is all about improving democracy at a really local level and that is why it is important we hear from our constituents and can take their views into account.”

The council is keen to hear from individuals and organisations about the proposed changes and welcomes further suggestions and comments regarding polling districts and places in the Mid Devon area.

At the end of the review period the council will make a number of recommendations which will be made available in a public document, including the reasoning behind each recommendation.

Any changes as a result of the review would come into effect for elections which take place in 2024.

You can contact MDDC’s new engagement platform to share your views at: https://letstalk.middevon.gov.uk/ or telephone 01884 255255, 

Alternatively email: [email protected] or write to Electoral Services, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton EX16 6PP.